Every so often you get to be one of the first kids on your block
to try something new. I think I just had my chance. I got to spend
a day using Omega Aquatics new Amphibian Flip Fin to propel
my float tube around.

The blade design belies the Scuba Diving lineage of these fins.
A somewhat stiff outer blade, with a more flexible center, gives
a strong push with very little effort. The heel strap is a beefy,
built to last piece of equipment, with a molded loop to assist
in pulling them over your heel. The buckles that attach the strap
to the fin are designed to stay put through all kinds of conditions.

The unique feature of these fins, and what makes them Amphibians,
is that the blade flips up. That's right, it flips upright along your shin
so you can actually walk around on dry land and walk facing forward
to get your float tube or pontoon boat into the water. There are pivot
points on line with the ball of the foot, and some very strong steel
springs under the fin, that flip the blade of the fin into an upright
position once the lock on the toe has been released.

Walking out with my float tube was very comfortable, no more
backing down into the water. Once afloat, a good kick or two
flipped the blade down into the locked position, and that's where
it stayed until I decided I wanted to play with the fin some more.

Unlocking the fins so they flip up in shallow water is easy. I simply
tried to stand on my toes. My weight released the lock and the fins
moved into the upright position, allowing me to walk out of the water
easily, again, facing forward.

These fins are well put together. Everything about them is made to last
for many, many seasons.

The fins are currently on sale at
www.Flipfins.com for $169.00. Considering the ease of
entering and leaving the water wearing these fins and their tough
construction that seems to be a reasonable price.